NIOS Registration Fees 2025:The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is one of the largest open schooling systems in the world. It provides flexible learning opportunities to millions of students across India and abroad. NIOS is especially known for its inclusive education system that caters to learners who may have dropped out, are working, or wish to pursue education at their own pace.
One of the most important aspects for students planning to enroll in NIOS is understanding the registration process and associated fees. The NIOS registration fees for 2025 include various components such as exam fees, admission fees, and subject-specific charges.
What is NIOS?
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Established in 1989, NIOS aims to provide education to all segments of society through open and distance learning modes.
NIOS offers the following programs:
- Secondary Course (Class 10 equivalent)
- Senior Secondary Course (Class 12 equivalent)
- Vocational Courses
- Life Enrichment Programs
- D.El.Ed (Diploma in Elementary Education) for teachers
Eligibility Criteria for NIOS Admission
For Secondary (Class 10)
- Minimum age: 14 years as on 31st July 2025.
- Must have passed Class 8 from a recognized school or provide self-certificate stating that the learner can study in secondary level.
For Senior Secondary (Class 12)
- Minimum age: 15 years as on 31st July 2025.
- Must have passed Secondary (Class 10) from a recognized board.
NIOS Registration Process 2025
NIOS allows students to register through its official online portal. The steps for registration typically include:
- Visit the official website: https://sdmis.nios.ac.in
- Choose course: Select either Secondary or Senior Secondary.
- Fill in details: Personal, educational, address, etc.
- Upload documents: Passport-size photograph, signature, identity proof, previous qualification certificates.
- Select subjects: Choose a minimum of five and a maximum of seven subjects.
- Pay registration fees: Through online payment methods (credit/debit card, UPI, net banking).
- Confirmation: Upon successful payment and document verification, a confirmation will be received via email/SMS.
NIOS Registration Fees 2025
The registration fees include several components. Here’s a detailed fee structure for NIOS Secondary and Senior Secondary courses for the 2025 session.
A. Registration Fees (for 5 Subjects)
| Category | Secondary (Class 10) | Senior Secondary (Class 12) |
|---|---|---|
| General Category (Male) | ₹1,800 | ₹2,000 |
| General Category (Female) | ₹1,450 | ₹1,650 |
| SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwD | ₹1,200 | ₹1,300 |
B. Additional Subject Fees
- ₹720 per subject (for both Secondary & Senior Secondary)
C. Practical Subjects Fees
- ₹250 extra per subject (for subjects with practicals like Science, Home Science, etc.)
D. Exam Fees (2025) — Separate from Registration
| Type of Subject | Fee per Subject |
|---|---|
| Theory (Non-Practical) | ₹250 |
| Practical Subjects (Each) | ₹120 (in addition to theory fee) |
Mode of Payment
Students can pay fees via:
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI/Wallets (in supported cases)
Cash payments are not accepted. NIOS does not encourage third-party agents for fee payments.
Late Fees and Deadlines
If students miss the regular registration window, NIOS offers late registration with additional charges.
| Delay Period | Late Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| 1–15 days delay | ₹200 |
| 16–30 days delay | ₹400 |
| Beyond 30 days | Registration closed |
Refund and Cancellation Policy
- Registration fees are non-refundable, except in cases where admission is denied due to ineligibility or document mismatch.
- Once the registration is completed and confirmed, no changes in subjects or course levels are permitted without paying additional charges and getting approval.
Important Documents for NIOS Registration
Students must upload the following documents during registration:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature (scanned)
- Aadhar Card or valid government ID
- Birth Certificate or age proof
- Previous academic qualification certificate
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST candidates)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Ex-serviceman certificate (if applicable)
Benefits of NIOS
- Flexibility in exam schedule
- Wide subject choices
- Recognized by CBSE, UPSC, and universities
- Affordable fee structure
- Support for marginalized learners
Important Dates (Tentative for 2025)
| Activity | Expected Date (2025) |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | April – July 2025 |
| Last Date (Without Late Fee) | 31st July 2025 |
| Late Registration Ends | 30th August 2025 |
| Exam Form Submission | September – October 2025 |
| Practical Exams | January 2026 |
| Theory Exams | February – March 2026 |
FAQ about NIOS Registration Fees 2025
What is the official website for NIOS?
The official website is: https://www.nios.ac.in
For student registration: https://sdmis.nios.ac.in
How many subjects can I choose while registering?
You must choose a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 7 subjects.
Can I pay registration fees in cash?
No. NIOS only accepts online payment modes such as debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI.
Are the registration and exam fees different?
Yes. Registration fees are paid at the time of admission, while exam fees are paid separately when the exam form is filled.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my admission?
No. NIOS does not refund the registration fee once admission is confirmed.
Is there any concession in fees for SC/ST or girls?
Yes. Female students, SC/ST candidates, PwD, and ex-servicemen are eligible for reduced registration fees.
Can foreign students apply for NIOS?
Yes. NIOS allows international students to enroll. However, the fee structure for foreign students is different, and they should refer to the international section of the NIOS website.
Is NIOS valid for NEET, JEE, or other competitive exams?
Yes. NIOS is a recognized board under the Government of India. NIOS students can appear for NEET, JEE, UPSC, SSC, and university admissions, just like CBSE or state board students.
What if I fail in one or two subjects?
NIOS offers the Transfer of Credit (TOC) facility and On-Demand Examination System (ODES) to allow students to reappear in failed subjects without waiting for a year.
Are there practical classes and exams in NIOS?
Yes. Subjects with a practical component have scheduled practical exams and sometimes online or contact programs through study centers.
Conclusion
The NIOS registration fees for 2025 are designed to be affordable and inclusive. With separate categories for general, female, SC/ST, and other learners, NIOS ensures that education remains accessible to all. Students planning to enroll in the 2025 session should stay updated with official announcements and complete the registration process in time to avoid late fees.
NIOS provides a unique opportunity to continue education without the pressure of a rigid academic structure, making it ideal for learners from diverse backgrounds.
For accurate and up-to-date details, always refer to: